Eurailpass Goes Up 7 Percent

January 11, 1987

For the first time in four years, the price of a Eurailpass, valid for unlimited rail travel in 16 European countries, went up for 1987. Currency fluctuations and increased operating costs are cited as reasons for the increase, which averages 7 percent across the board.

The price of a first-class Eurailpass, valid for 15 days, will rise $20, to $280; a 21-day pass up $20 to $350; a one-month pass up $30 to $440; two months rises to $620 from $560; and three months to $760 from $680.

The second-class Eurail Youthpass for individuals under 26 years of age will be priced at $310, up from $290. The two-month pass will be priced at $400, up from $370. The Eurail Saverpass, introduced in 1985 and valid for 15 days of first-class travel in the off-peak season from Oct. 1 through March 31, will continue to be priced at $199 a person through March 31. Beginning April 1, the price of the 15-day Eurail Saverpass valid for three or more people on a year-round basis, will rise to $210 a person.

More information and a brochure on tickets, a 150-page, pocket-size timetable of trains between Western Europe`s major cities and a Eurail Traveler`s Guide, including a map of the Eurail system and general advice on using it, are available from Eurailpass, P.O. Box 325, Old Greenwich, Conn. 06870-0325.

`GOLD CARD` NEW AIRLINE PLOY

Those little plastic credit cards get quite a workout at this time of year, but Eastern Airlines has come up with a Gold Mastercard that also will earn you mileage credits. It`s the latest gimmick in the ever-expanding frequent- flier program. With Eastern`s Mastercard, for every dollar you charge, you earn one mile in the company`s frequent-flier account. If you sign up for the card, Eastern will give you a 2,500-mile credit, and the first time you use the card, you will get an additional 2,500 miles. That would put you halfway toward Eastern`s first award -- a free first-class upgrade. Or you could save that, then after accumulating 35,000 miles earn a free round-trip ticket to anywhere Eastern goes. Destinations include the Caribbean, Canada or Central America.

DISNEY WORLD RAISES PRICES

Another price rise on admissions at Walt Disney World -- the third of 1986 -- is now in effect. One-day admission to either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot Center theme parks is up $1.50 to $26 for adults. The $19 one-day admission was not raised for children ages 3 to 11, but age 12, formerly in the children`s category, now pays adult prices. Most visitors purchase a three-day pass, good for admission at both parks; the three-day pass now costs $66 for adults (up $5) and $50 for children ages 3 to 11 (up from $49). Children under 3 are admitted free.

GOOD BUYS INDIAN RIVER PLANTATION SPECIAL

Indian River Plantation, an oceanfront resort on Hutchinson Island near Stuart, celebrates its 10th anniversary with special fourth-night-free January packages during the after-the-holidays tourist lull. A one-bedroom suite that accommodates up to four people goes for $255 for four nights, two bedrooms $330, tennis villas $285. Indian River has an ocean beach, golf course, lighted tennis courts and heated pools. The special is good now through Jan. 31. Make reservations through a travel agent or call 1-800-327-4873.

MARCH BARGAIN ON THE ATLANTIC

Home Lines Cruises has announced a savings of $1,000 per couple on the nine- and 10-day Caribbean sailings in March on the 33,800-ton Atlantic from Port Everglades.

The nine-day cruise on the ship built in 1982 calls at San Juan, St. Thomas, Martinique, Barbados and Antigua. Ports of call on the 10-day cruise include Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, San Juan, St. Thomas and Nassau.

The $1,000 per couple savings is available on the nine-day sailings on March 12 and 31, and the 10-day cruises on March 2 and 21.

For more information on Home Lines Cruises contact a travel agent.

INFORMATION PLEASE TRIPS FOR SENIORS

These companies specialize in tours for older travelers. Only Passages Unlimited is available through travel agents.

Recommended source books for B&Bs in the United States, Britain and Europe:

-- Bed & Breakfast U.S.A. by Betty Rundback and Nancy Kramer (E.P. Dutton, $9.95) is updated every year and considered a bible in the field. It lists 641 individual B&Bs, plus 144 Reservation Service Organizations in the United States and Canada.